Scotts Valley Band Closes Preview Casino After Federal Eligibility Withdrawal

The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians shut down its Preview Casino in Vallejo late on August 3 and into the early hours of August 4 2026 after the U.S. Department of the Interior withdrew gaming eligibility for the tribe’s trust parcel and the decision cited insufficient historical connection to the site. The temporary facility had opened only recently to test operations and show viability for a larger resort project yet the closure took effect immediately once the federal determination arrived.

Background on the Temporary Operation

That preview site served as a short-term demonstration venue where the tribe could gather data on player traffic, staffing needs, and revenue potential before committing to a full-scale development. Observers note the facility operated for just weeks rather than months and it employed more than 100 workers who handled table games, slots, security, and hospitality services. Local vendors who supplied food, linens, and maintenance support found their contracts paused the moment the doors locked.

Federal Decision and Its Immediate Effects

The Interior Department’s reversal rested on a review that found the parcel lacked the required historical ties under current land-into-trust standards. Once eligibility ended, state and local gaming approvals could no longer stand and the tribe had no choice but to cease all gaming activity. Employees received notice during the final shift while management began processing final paychecks and unemployment paperwork within hours. Partnerships with nearby restaurants and transport companies that had counted on casino visitor traffic also went on hold.

Community leaders in Vallejo have begun discussing the sudden loss of jobs and the ripple effects on surrounding businesses. City officials are reviewing tax revenue projections that had included the preview site while workforce agencies prepare to assist the displaced employees with retraining programs. The tribe meanwhile continues to emphasize that the closure affects only the temporary location and does not alter long-term development plans for the broader property.

Next Steps and Ongoing Project Status

Legal teams are now compiling administrative records and preparing arguments that reference both the 2025 precedent and the specific language of the August 2026 determination. N/A (August 2026 reversal determination on gaming eligibility) remains the key document under review. Meanwhile the tribe maintains contact with federal officials to explore whether additional documentation could restore eligibility without further court action. Economic forecasts for the Vallejo area will shift once final employment numbers and vendor impacts are tallied later this month.

Conclusion

The August 2026 closure marks a distinct pause in the Scotts Valley Band’s gaming timeline yet the tribe’s stated commitment to litigation and continued project development keeps the larger effort alive. Stakeholders across the region now wait for court proceedings to clarify the parcel’s status and determine when operations might resume under a revised federal finding.